Graphic novel tells story of how the US broke its promise to Filipino war heroes

The “Duty to Country – Under One Flag” education project documents a century of history, featuring first-hand accounts of living World War II veterans, historians, and community advocates

Los Angeles – The story of Filipino World War II veterans—and their fight for recognition and benefits they were promised but denied—is now told as a graphic novel.

“In the Shadows of Giants,” a graphic novel that raises awareness about forgotten Filipino WWII heroes, has been released, the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP) announced on Nov. 11, Veterans Day.

The 225-page novel is part of the FilVetREP “Duty to Country – Under One Flag” education project. It follows the story of Constance, a Filipino-American teen who discovers an old photo of her grandmother as a teenager. It sparks a journey of discovery into her lola’s guerrilla past, set against the backdrop of WWII.

Inspired by true events and the experiences of veterans and their descendants, “In the Shadow of Giants” is a historical fiction with real-world significance.

“It’s an incredible and thrilling story of a young woman in search of her family’s legacy,” said retired Maj. Gen. Antonio M. Taguba, chair of FilVetREP. “It reminded me of my own journey discovering my family’s legacy from the war.”

Retired Maj. Gen. Antonio M. Taguba, chair of FilVetREP, said the graphic novel reminded him of his own journey discovering his family’s legacy from the war

Taguba’s father, Tomas, was a Philippine Scout who fought alongside US soldiers during WWII and survived the infamous 1942 Bataan Death March, which claimed the lives of thousands of Filipinos.

He was one of the more than 250,000 Filipino soldiers who were promised equal treatment as American veterans after the war. But in 1946, the US Congress enacted the Rescission Act that took away full recognition of the Filipinos and stripped them of their benefits.

“They rob you of your honor and betray a promise that was made to you. They don’t pay you and then they discount you. That’s hard,” said Taguba in one of the videos in Duty to Country – Under One Flag. “It’s tantamount to being non-existent.”

In addition to the graphic novel, the education project also features:

• A comprehensive online exhibition, 10 detailed lesson plans, 14 explainer activities with over 200 educational resources available to middle and high school students.
• 25 hours of oral history interviews with veterans and advocates, more than 120 highlight clips and 20 animations crafted from the oral histories.
• A deck of 30 profile cards of key figures and dozens of detailed illustrations.
• A 14-page media kit and 45-minute teachers training video.
• A 20-minute film capturing the full history of FilVetREP.

“In the Shadow of Giants” raises awareness about the forgotten Filipino heroes who fought for the US during World War II

All components of the education program are free and downloadable. Historical and cultural institutions are encouraged to share this program with the public. The program includes 50 minutes of teacher training videos on how to use the “Duty to Country” curriculum in the classroom, a media kit, overview handouts, and free content tailored for broadcast media.

The graphic novel is currently being printed for distribution to students, educators, and schools associated with the “Duty to Country” education program.